A First-Time Princess Cruiser's Review of the Emerald Princess

[Cruise Raider]

That's a great idea!!! As I mentioned before, it's the Olympus Stylus Tough 8010. I love it!

 

Recommendation: It does not come with a great strap so I bought one at a dive shop. It was padded and fitted -- so less chance that it would slip off.

 

Our camera broke on our last cruise and ended up getting also purchased the Olympus Tough onboard. We saw it cheaper at a discount warehouse at home, but didn't pay any duty so probably came out about the same. The SD card was much cheaper onboard, however.

Anyhow, not sure how we were going to like the quality of the pictures, but when we downloaded them, we were very pleasantly surprised. I think you will like it.

[2new2cruzin]

Great Review! We are traveling with tow other families on the Emerald in two weeks. Everyone is getting very excited. What is the Chef's table? Somethign we need to be in the know about?

[Colo Cruiser]

Great Review! We are traveling with tow other families on the Emerald in two weeks. Everyone is getting very excited. What is the Chef's table? Somethign we need to be in the know about?

 

News Article

 

 

1/2/2008

 

 

Princess' New Chef's Table Dinners to Roll Out Fleetwide

Private Gastronomic Gathering a Resounding Success with Culinary Enthusiasts

 

SANTA CLARITA, Calif. (January 2, 2008) - Princess' Chef's Table, the exclusive dining experience that debuted to rave reviews earlier this year aboard Emerald Princess, will now be introduced across the line's fleet.

Currently available on Emerald Princess, Crown Princess and Caribbean Princess, the Chef's Table is scheduled to debut aboard most vessels in the fleet in early 2008. The line's smaller ships, Tahitian Princess, Pacific Princess and Royal Princess are not part of the initial roll-out but may offer the program at a later date.

Designed as a unique treat for "foodies," Chef's Table experience offers a select group of gourmets the rare opportunity to be welcomed into the inner sanctum of the ship's galley to enjoy a full evening of memorable sights, tastes and conversation hosted by the executive chef. While many passengers are able to enjoy galley tours during the quiet off-hours, the Chef's Table experience takes interested diners behind the scenes during the height of dinner preparation where they'll also enjoy cocktails and hors d'oeuvres, followed by a special multi-course tasting dinner paired with selected wines in the dining room.

Participants in Emerald Princess' first season of Chef's Table evenings may have felt like dining room celebrities as other passengers stopped to snap pictures and admire the striking table set-up and unique menu selections.

"We knew many of our guests would enjoy this unusual close-up view of our culinary operations, but we were truly surprised by the tremendous interest - it's sold out every cruise," said Rai Caluori, Princess' executive vice president of fleet operations. "Hosting the Chef's Table requires an impressive level of dedication from our talented culinary team, but they've committed to offering it on rest of our fleet because we wanted to offer as many guests as possible the opportunity to enjoy this exclusive culinary experience."

The Chef's Table begins when the Maitre d' personally escorts the passengers to the galley where they can observe the bustle of dinner-hour preparations and meet the executive chef, plus enjoy French champagne with appetizers. The chef previews the details of the menu he created for that evening, and the group is welcomed to their special table in the dining room. The multi-course menu is specially created by the chef, and is not offered anywhere else on the ship. The fare might include anything from a focus on regional cuisine to a showcase of indigenous ingredients from a recent port. Each course is accompanied by a detailed explanation of special features, preparation methods, and tasting suggestions. Specially selected wines complement the meal. During the dessert course, the chef rejoins the group at their private table to participate in a discussion about the evening's meal, answer questions, and share culinary secrets perfected during many years of experience at sea and on land.

Additionally, each couple at the Chef's Table will receive a personalized autographed copy of Princess' best-selling cookbook, Courses, A Culinary Journey, which has sold more than 100,000 copies worldwide and is available on amazon.com. Guests will also enjoy a complimentary photo taken at the private table with the chef. The Chef's Table experience can be reserved by up to 10 passengers per night, at a cost of $75 per person. Reservations are made onboard through the ship's DINE telephone line or in person at the dining reservations table set up on the first day of the cruise.

[BballinQT24]

I love the pictures from Grand Cayman and Cozumel. The water in Grand Cayman is gorgeous!!!

[Debbierpof]

Great Review! We are traveling with tow other families on the Emerald in two weeks. Everyone is getting very excited. What is the Chef's table? Somethign we need to be in the know about?

 

A really top notch experience!!! Another couple that traveled with us tried to sign-up for the Chef's Table but were not selected -- actually when they called were told there wasn't even a waiting list. So try to call the dining reservation line as soon as you board. Have a great cruise!

[BoardwalkBabe]

I've been enjoying your review. Thank you for sharing your trip with us!

[Hollybelle]

Fabulous review, Debbierpof! Makes me wish I was back on the Emerald myself. :D While I don't usually rave about or get excited for "cruise food," I must say the pictures from the Chef's Table are making me sing a different tune. It looks delicious! And what a fun experience.

 

Loved the snorkeling shots, especially the sea turtle. So fun!

[Debbierpof]

Fabulous review, Debbierpof! Makes me wish I was back on the Emerald myself. :D While I don't usually rave about or get excited for "cruise food," I must say the pictures from the Chef's Table are making me sing a different tune. It looks delicious! And what a fun experience.

 

Loved the snorkeling shots, especially the sea turtle. So fun!

 

Thanks, Hollybelle! I really enjoyed you last review and that gave me the idea to incorporate photos.

 

Now I just need to quit working for the day and finish the darn review! Priorities, priorities. :D

[diddlydi]

Thanks, Hollybelle! I really enjoyed you last review and that gave me the idea to incorporate photos.

 

Now I just need to quit working for the day and finish the darn review! Priorities, priorities. :D

 

Great review. Really enjoyed it.

We were on the Emerald 2 years ago.

[MamaLyn]

Thanks for the great review.

[rdsqrl]

Now I just need to quit working for the day and finish the darn review! Priorities, priorities. :D

Seriously, chickie -- snap to it! You've got impatient readers here, who need their vicarious cruise fix!!!

[Debbierpof]

Seriously, chickie -- snap to it! You've got impatient readers here, who need their vicarious cruise fix!!!

 

Okay, okay... get this... I go to get a full pro membership on flickr this morning (just $24 per year) because I've used up my free photo sharing for the month (all on this review)... I find out that someone has used my Visa in Pennsylvania! :mad: I'm in Florida! So I had to close my Visa card and now I'm waiting on a new one. But not to worry! I will upgrade my flickr (later on), but for now I am going to use photobucket. :D For the love of cruising! (I know, that was a bit corny)

[Debbierpof]

Our next stop was San Martin Beach. The palapa bar was across the street from the beach with a great view.

 

 

 

We had our “shot” and headed to the beach. So pretty. This is exactly was vacation spots are supposed to look like.

 

It was perfect for a walk along the beach. The sand was amazingly powdery. Our feet just sunk down quickly... it was the most relaxing part of our day.

 

Lots of wave action...

 

[Debbierpof]

The most interesting stop was at El Mirador. It’s a natural structure created from the sea carving an arch into the rock (I think the rock is an ancient reef).

 

 

 

My DH bought me a cold coconut which was deliciously refreshing.

 

 

 

The wave action along the rock formations here is worth the drive. Just make sure you wear sneakers -- I wore sandals, but it was a little rough.

 

 

 

 

CaliPhil came along on the Bar Hop Bus... wish I had taken a better photo...

 

 

Even with the large waves, you could still see the water was incredibly clear.

 

There is a palapa shop there where you can get some souvenirs. I was disappointed that there were so many tourists there.

[tequilasunrise]

Fabulous! Nice to see the other side of Cozumel, too. Thanks for posting :)

[Debbierpof]

Our final stop on this side was Rasta Bar.

 

 

Yep, a Jamaican bar in Mexico.

 

 

 

We had our “shot” and then ordered food – chips & salsa and an order of shrimp quesadillas. Delicious! Didn't take a picture of our food (can't believe I forgot!) but here's the menu!

 

 

Others ordered different items but everyone seemed very pleased. Also, very reasonably priced.

 

 

Here's our group:

 

 

And the inside of Rasta Bar:

 

 

But more importantly... here's the view!

 

 

But what is up with this obsession of the east side of Cozumel and women's breasts???

 

 

More to come!

[Debbierpof]

Here's a sign of the Sea Turtle protection area.

 

Then it was time to head to the port area. We all opted for shopping so Greg dropped us off at the Plaza del Sol. We wandered around for about two hours before catching a cab back to the port. Plenty of stores at the port so if you didn’t get something before, this is a great place! My DH found some Cuban rum for a great price.

 

 

It was amazing to walk in between the RCCL Liberty of the Seas and the Emerald Princess. Both beautiful and enormous ship!

 

 

 

 

After taking a nice, long shower, I decided to go out on my balcony in my Princess provided robe to check out the Liberty of the Seas.

 

And then I noticed some of the crew from the Liberty of the Seas at that open huge door at the front -- and waved. Glad I was wearing that robe! Being in one of the Emerald Deck Mini-Suites and being completely covered from the other balconies... well, you could take some liberties. Glad I didn't (this time) or it would have been a free show!

 

And then it was time to go... We left before the LOS, but basically traveled together until the next day.

 

I will wrap this review up next!!!

[robinsnest64]

I will be on this cruise also on Sept 5! Looking forward to it!! I know we will have a great time!

[rdsqrl]

Wonderful, wonderful photos!!

[Debbierpof]

Fabulous! Nice to see the other side of Cozumel, too. Thanks for posting :)

 

Thanks! It's definitely worth seeing!

[Debbierpof]

Now I'm really excited about going on the Emerald in January. And, you have me thinking about trying for the Chef's Table!! Thanks for the review and pictures!

 

You'll have a great time!!! I strongly encourage you to try the Chef's Table. If it's as good as our experience, you will be extremely pleased! Thanks for your kind comments!